Prevalence of intestinal parasites and bacteria among school pupils in Aba, Abia State

Abstract

Epidemiological research carried out in different countries has shown that the social and economic situations of the individuals are an important cause in the prevalence of intestinal parasites and bacterial infections. The prevention of these infections improves health care, work efficiency and economic productivity. In this study, a total of 1,092 stool samples were examined using culture method on special media for bacteria isolation, direct wet preparation and formal-ether concentration for parasites. The overall prevalence with parasitic/bacterial infection were 83 (7.6%) for Entamoeba histolytica, 64 (5.9%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 30 (2.7%) for hookworm ova, 5 (0.5%) for G. lamblia cyst, 1 (0.1%) for B.coli cyst, 51 (4.7%) for Salmonella paratyphi and 17 (1.6%) for E. coli. There was a higher infection in males 43 (63.2%) than females 25 (36.8%). The statistical analysis showed there was a significant difference (p>0.05) observed between the sexes. Pupils between the ages 6-10 years had higher prevalence of bacteria and parasitic infection 45 (66.2%) and 81 (48.8%), followed by 11-15 age-group (33.8%) and 77 (46.4%) respectively while age 16+ had no bacteria and parasitic infection. There was significant difference with age (p>0.05). ASUBEB criteria for selection were used to group the school into urban, suburban and rural. The schools in group 4 had higher prevalence 72 (28.7%) which are suburban schools while Group 5 had the least prevalence 23 (9.2%) and are urban schools.

Keywords: Prevalence; intestinal parasites; intestinal bacteria; school pupils